Authorities in the Dominican Republic are continuing to investigate the crash of a Gulfstream G200 business jet that killed both pilots during an attempted emergency landing at La Romana International Airport on June 7.
The aircraft, registered N318JF and operated by Aibonito Aviation LLC, was destroyed after returning to the airport shortly after takeoff for Austin, Texas.
According to preliminary information, the crew declared an emergency and requested to return to La Romana. Reports indicate the incident may have involved a problem with one of the aircraft's engines, although investigators have not confirmed the cause.
ADS-B tracking data show the jet departed La Romana around 19:30 UTC before entering a series of turns near the airport while preparing for an emergency landing. After remaining airborne for approximately 40 minutes, the aircraft lined up for runway 29.
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Videos recorded by witnesses and widely circulated on social media show the aircraft touching down at high speed before veering off the left side of the runway. The landing gear appears to collapse as the jet slides across the ground.
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The footage also shows the aircraft striking a small embankment, after which a fire erupted. The jet was quickly engulfed in flames and destroyed.
Additional videos suggest the left engine separated from the aircraft during the accident sequence.
Both occupants on board were killed. No injuries were reported on the ground.
The aircraft involved was a Gulfstream G200 built in 2004. Originally developed by Israel Aircraft Industries and later marketed by Gulfstream Aerospace, the twin-engine business jet can carry up to 10 passengers and has a range of approximately 3,400 nautical miles.
Investigators are expected to examine flight data, maintenance records, weather conditions and witness accounts to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
Weather reports from the time of the accident indicated a tailwind component on runway 29, although authorities have not suggested any link between the conditions and the accident.
